My mother prayed that I should get one: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on National Award

Mumbai: Sanjay Leela Bhansali says his National Award as director for Bajirao Mastani is "very special" as the win has fulfilled his mother's longstanding wish.

This is Bhansali's first National Award as a director and the 53-year-old filmmaker is glad that finally his mother's prayers have been answered.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Getty Images

"This is my first National Award as a director. It is really very special to me. My mother always prayed that I should get one and here I get it. Her prayers are answered," Bhansali told PTI.

The director said he learnt about his 63rd National FIlm Award win through a leading news channel.

"People from unknown numbers kept calling me I just picked up one such call and they asked me to give a reaction on winning the National Award. Then my mother just screamed. Her happiness means a lot to me," he added.

The Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra starrer was not only a blockbuster but also swept the award season this year.

Bhansali, however, never anticipated a National Award.

"With Bajirao Mastani we have created history now. I am too thrilled to receive the honour," he said.

The film has also earned five other awards — best supporting actress honour for Tanvi Azmi, best choreography for Remo D'Souza, best cinematography, production design and re-recordist.